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Discover the podcasts our team loved this year, with picks ranging from captivating stories to insightful conversations.

The Spreckels Organ Society presents the 37th Annual San Diego International Summer Organ Festival, the largest organ festival in the United States, featuring the Spreckels Organ, the largest open-air musical instrument in the world! The summer-long festival – directed by Raúl Prieto Ramírez, Spreckels Organ Society’s Artistic Director and San Diego’s Civic Organist – takes place in the heart of Balboa Park, from July 7 through Sept. 1. The Society brings these special 90-minute concerts to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for free each Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. This season’s line-up includes acclaimed international organists and competition winners. Highlights are: - Soprano Alisa Jordheim, who recently performed with San Diego Opera as Despina in "Così fan tutte" and Gilda in "Rigoletto." - An organ & orchestra celebration with concertos by Poulenc, Parker and Bach, plus a premier by Civic Organist Prieto Ramírez. Conducted by Alejandro Gómez Guillén with Raúl Prieto Ramírez (soloist), and Jeff Thayer (concertmaster). - The Not-So-Silent Movie Night, featuring Laurel & Hardy films with Russ Peck, organist. - And an all-Beatles Labor Day Classic Rock Concert to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the San Diego Beatles concert. For the full Festival program, visit www.spreckelsorgan.org/summer-organ-festival. The Spreckels Organ Society on Facebook / Instagram

Songwriter Sanctuary, an intimate monthly series that platforms premiere local songwriters in a Nashville-style round, will host its third annual Pride event on Friday, June 27 at Normal Heights United. Featuring performances by LGBTQ-identifying artists Anna Ballew, Kimiko, and In Mazes, the event is hosted by the legendary Jeff Berkley in partnership with Normal Heights United. (4650 Mansfield St. Suggested Donation $10. All ages. Doors 6:30pm, Music 7pm.) “I book all kinds of artists no matter the observance, but I have to say that working with an affirming church to spotlight queer artists during Pride month gives me a little pep in my step,” said Lindsay White, who curates the series and is herself a LGBTQ+ artist and activist. In a time where many institutions appear to be backing away from inclusive policies and practices that help reduce harm for marginalized populations, Normal Heights United (NHU) is vocal about welcoming everyone in the community to participate in their activities. They even have a page on their website entitled “All Are Welcome” dedicated to stating as much that reads: “We recognize and are saddened by the knowledge that many churches, including our own denomination of the United Methodist Church, have and do exclude people from the fullness of participation in the church community and have therefore wounded God’s beloved. At Normal Heights United Methodist Church, we work to include rather than exclude, so that all are actively welcomed and valued at worship, meals, spaces, events and especially in our sacred celebrations including communion, baptism and marriage. The fullness of our community is open to all ages, races, ethnicities, political affiliations, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, faith histories, marital status and mental or physical abilities. We welcome all to come as they are to participate, lead, love, be loved, challenge, edify, push, question, and belong.” While Songwriter Sanctuary is not religiously affiliated, they are dedicated to partnering with a venue who stands firm in these principles, not just in word but in action. “Artists and audiences alike always feel welcome and safe in the sanctuary,” said White. “And thanks to their generous support, we are able to provide 100% of door and pre-sale donations directly to artists, while also remaining committed to not turning anyone away for lack of funds. For this year’s Pride event, Songwriter Sanctuary will be welcoming three talented up-and-coming artists to the round: Anna Ballew (she/her), whose rich, sultry voice and introspective writing make her one of San Diego's most sought-after performers. Kimiko (she/her), a Japanese-American indie artist whose songs feel like a diary entry in a coming of age story. In Mazes (they), a San Diego-based indie moon gaze. Past Pride editions of Songwriter Sanctuary have featured a who’s who of talented LGBTQIA+ artists with San Diego ties, including Billboard-charting Flamy Grant, Joy Fuliga, Kori Gillis, Ben Parks, Virr, and Rhthmx. Other out and proud artists to grace the Songwriter Sanctuary stage include The Lovebirds, Tori Roze, Mariela, Angel René, Julianna Zachariou, and more. But you don’t have to wait for next summer to roll around to see your favorite queer artists get a turn at the mic. “Throw a dart at our music schedule, and you’ll find a lot of queer representation,” said White, joking, “As an elder queer with loads of religious trauma, it’s basically my field of dreams to be building up gay stuff in a church.” Event Details: Location: Normal Heights United Church 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116. Thank you to our generous venue partner for sharing this beautiful space with the local music community! Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7-9p.m. ish. Suggested Donation: $10, but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. 100% donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds. All Ages: Bear in mind we do not censor our artists so please make sure to check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family. Parking: Street parking Food/Drink: Beverages for small purchase, thanks to our sponsors! Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring food into the venue (please eat and dispose of waste respectfully) Accessibility: Please direct any venue accessibility requests to Molly mollyrose@nhunited.org. Remaining 2025 Season Schedule: *subject to change Jul 25 - The Bella Lunas - Espi - Miranda Ramos Aug 29 - Claire King - Hailey Wetzel - Lexi Pulido Sep 26 - Joe Summers - Grainne Hunt - Helena Holleran Oct 24 - Shea Givens - Kevin Cooper - Anthony Cullins Dec 5 - Holiday Edition! - JT Moring - Cara Cormier - David Beldock and Peggy Watson For inquiries, media comps, or further information, please contact: Lindsay White lindsaywhite.music@gmail.com Songwriter Sanctuary on Instagram

Artistic Director, Christian Tordahl takes the stage again leading the talented Hillcrest Wind Ensemble for what promises to be a night of fun and excitement. The ensemble presents “Summer Fun” a collection of light wind ensemble music and music from movies and the Broadway stage, on Saturday, June 28, at Linder Hall at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, 2111 Camino del Rio South, in Mission Valley. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at hillcrestwindensemble.com or at the door. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and concert begins at 7 p.m. The band’s lineup includes Aaron Copland’s, “An Outdoor Overture” and the more contemporary, “Metroplex” by Robert Sheldon. Music from the movies includes, “The Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Music Man”. A Broadway medley and music from “My Fair Lady” are also featured. The 45 piece Hillcrest Wind Ensemble is in its 39th. year of performing and is proud to be a musical ambassador for the community as a whole. For more information look us up online at www.hillcrestwindensemble.com. Hillcrest Wind Ensemble on Facebook

Soprano Mariana Flores Bucio, and tenor Miguel Zazueta perform a concert featuring Mexican art songs, pop songs, plus opera arias and duets - accompanied by the pianist Iván Mares. This concert will benefit the great work at Earth Discovery Institute, San Diego.

Trump appears expressionless in the new presidential portrait, depicted against a dark, blank background.

This watercolor class is about understanding the color, organization, and beauty of flowers. They can be so inspiring from which to paint! We will paint from real flowers as well as from photos, since some flowers do not last long when picked or they aren’t available. To capture their beauty, we will experiment with a variety of techniques and approaches. I encourage you to watch the demonstrations and then explore your own way of putting brush to paper. Please bring tube paints only and not paint pans. Be prepared to paint on the first day. Materials: 100% cotton, 140 lb. hot press and cold press paper pads, #8, #10 and/or #12 round brush, palette with lid for traveling, water container—large yogurt cup works well, No. 2 pencil, kneaded eraser, paper towels, tube colors—a warm and cool of each primary. Max students: 12 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

In this class the face is the focus. Using different techniques and mediums, we will find fun ways to approach an often-daunting subject. Students will be encouraged to bring photos of family, friends—even pets. We will discuss the best kinds of photos to use and how to use the ones you have even if they aren’t the best quality. There will be a model for one session, and we will try self-portraiture. This is an interesting way to improve your skills, find some new ones, and have fun while you are at it. Materials: A 9” x 12” pad of mixed-media paper; soft vine charcoal (willow is the best); woodless graphite pencil, 6B, 8B, or 9B (the higher the number the better); pencil sharpener; kneaded eraser. Other materials will be discussed in class, and the instructor will bring some supplies for students to try and share. Max students: 12 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Electricity prices are rising more than twice as fast as overall inflation. That's especially costly during the dog days of summer when air conditioners are working hardest. In addition to hot weather, a variety of factors are causing power bills to climb, including the high cost of natural gas used to generate electricity and soaring demand from data centers.

The bestselling author of "The Joy Luck Club," "The Kitchen God's Wife" and "The Bonesetter's Daughter" explores her deepening love for birdwatching in "The Backyard Bird Chronicles," an illustrated memoir-meets-nature journal.